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Press Release

ASPCA Offers $15,000 Reward in Long Island Pit Bull Puppy Case

Organization also grants $10,000 to Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island

August 16, 2012

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced that it will offer a $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case of a three-month-old pit bull puppy, named Joey, who was thrown out of a moving car last Saturday in Brentwood, Long Island. This reward is in addition to the $5,000reward being offered by the Suffolk County SPCA. The ASPCA is also providing a $10,000 grant to the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island to help offset some of the costs that have been incurred in treating and caring for Joey.

According toSuffolk County SPCA reports, Joey was found in a plastic bag near the Sagtikos State Parkway on Saturday afternoon, August 11. A witness saw someone toss the bag out of a car and called for help after hearing cries coming from the bag. Joey suffered three broken vertebrae in his neck, and when he was brought to the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, he was covered in fleas and weighed only 10 pounds.

"We were both outraged and saddened to hear about this disturbing case of violent abuse, and the callousness that was demonstrated by those responsible," said Matt Bershadker, senior vice president of the ASPCA’s Anti-Cruelty Group. "While our ultimate hope is that these types of heinous acts never occur, this is a message that cruelty toward animals will not be tolerated. We are pleased to be in a position to help those who are helping Joey, and we thank the Suffolk County SPCA for its commitment to finding these perpetrators, and the staff of the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island for their extensive efforts in caring for Joey."

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Suffolk County SPCA by calling 631-382-7722.

The ASPCA encourages the public to be vigilant when it comes to reporting suspected animal abuse, and to contact the appropriate authorities that are responsible for investigating and enforcing the anti-cruelty laws in their area.

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About the ASPCA®Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.